On Saturday, October 19, an estimated 800 residents brought their costumed kids to Quinnipiac to enjoy the free event sprawled across the Quad, featuring Halloween-themed activities, games, prizes, candy and giveaways. As a special treat, kids could play sports with Bobcat student-athletes and take pictures with Boomer in his not-so-spooky Halloween attire. Boomer’s Boo Bash also featured inflatable playscapes, kid-sized lawn games, food trucks and a DJ all day.

Established by Quinnipiac’s Division 1 student-athletes, Boomer’s Boo Bash is a Building Bobcats initiative. The initiative fosters player development and expansion of youth sports in the Greater New Haven region by hosting youth sports coaching clinics, game days for youth leagues and additional events.

Through the years, Boomer’s Boo Bash has become a fun family tradition for area residents that’s grown to include participation from student clubs, organizations, and local groups and business, said organizer Karla Natale, associate vice president of Community Partnerships and University Events.

“We love to do this event every year, because it’s a great way to bring our community to Quinnipiac,” Natale said.

Boomer’s Boo Bash is a very special event among the variety of ways in which Quinnipiac actively participates in the Hamden community, said Natale.

“This is one where the residents get to come to the Mount Carmel Campus and have fun with the student-athletes, the athletic teams, and the student organizations. We bring in local businesses so they can be a part of it, and have fun, too,” said Natale. “It’s become something that a lot of people in the community tell us they look forward to every year; and we look forward to it every year, too.”

Athletes representing 10 different Quinnipiac Division 1 teams came out to play with Hamden kids at Boomer’s Boo Bash, together with Bobcats representing 14 student organizations. Over 20 local businesses also participated in the day.

As a student coordinator assisting the office of Community Partnerships and University Events, Jessie Auerbach ’28 helped Natale prep for Boomer’s Boo Bash. Auerbach said she was excited to see so many guests arriving.

“I’m really excited to see all the little kids,” said Auerbach. “It’s been really fun working with Karla on this, and now it’s great to see all the cute tables set up with candy and fun activities for the kids to enjoy.”

Fan interaction is part of the fun for Quinnipiac’s Ice Cats, and greeting kids from the community is no exception, said Ice Cats members Cindy Blumer ’25, Ella Carvell ’26, MS ’27; and Devyn Cotton ’25, MS ’26. Cotton said she thought it was a great event to help bring more attention to Quinnipiac and to the Ice Cats.

The Ice Cats set up music to dance with kids and handed out candy.

“This is my second year doing this event,” added Carvell. “It’s always fun to see the kids come in and have fun."

Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President for Public Relations Gia Iwanec ’25 said Boomer’s Boo Bash provides a great opportunity to get involved with Quinnipiac’s extended community.

“It’s so nice to have a strong presence on campus, but also being in touch with our community is really important,” Iwanec said. “Being able to give back can make a difference and hopefully inspire these younger kids to come here in the future.”

SGA volunteers helped kids with pumpkin decorating and passed out goodie bag items, snacks, and Halloween candy, said Abby Cutler, ’25, MS ’26. Cutler is a SGA junior class senator and public relations committee member.

“We’re enjoying being here. It’s a nice way to get involved with the community,” said Cutler.

Quinnipiac men’s lacrosse players helped kids try their hand at shooting on goal, with some assistance and tips.

“If we can put a smile on a kid’s face, that’s a good day,” said team member Owen Murray ’25.

Quinnipiac women’s lacrosse player Ellagrace Delmond ’25 joined her teammates in greeting kids and handing out treats.

“It’s so much fun to have our group here. We do it every year,” said Delmond. “The weather’s always beautiful and seeing the little kids in their costumes really puts a smile on our faces every single time.”

With her three-year-old daughter dressed as Star Wars’ Grogu (aka Baby Yoda) and her one-year-old son as a fuzzy bumble bee in a wagon towed by dad, mom Binh Grande said the whole family was excited to be strolling Boomer’s Boo Bash.

“This is our first time, and it’s pretty awesome,” said Grande. “I’ve never been on campus before, and it’s beautiful. I love it. It’s great to be able to bring our daughter here and show her around.”

Boomer’s Boo Bash fans Veronica Laughlin and her husband brought their two children, ages 4 and 8, for another year of fall fun at Quinnipiac.

“We just really enjoy being here,” said Laughlin. “We came for the first time last year, and we came back because we really liked it. We love the campus. It’s just gorgeous in the fall.”

First-time guests Samantha Luzzi, her husband, and their seven-year-old daughter, Lucy, got into the spirit of the day by coming as colorful Nintendo game characters.

“I’m Luigi, my husband’s Wario, and Lucy is Mario,” said Luzzi. “We’re glad we came. It’s a beautiful day, with lots of people and activities and games for her to interact with. She’s enjoying it.”

First-year student Emma Corridan ’27, MS ’28 came out to enjoy Boomer’s Boo Bash with her family, visiting from Massachusetts. Corridan family costumes included an oversized taco, a sparkly spirit, an inflatable dinosaur, and a pumpkin dog.

“We’re all here to visit Emma – my wife, our other two daughters, and our dog,” said dad Christopher Corridan. “I think this is a great event. Quinnipiac does a great job of doing community work and making people feel welcome and involved.”

Corridan lives on campus at Quinnipiac’s newest residence hall, The Grove. This academic year, residents of The Grove will co-create impactful projects to benefit the Quinnipiac community and the greater Hamden community.

Corridan said she was excited her family could join her at Boomer’s Boo Bash, which is a great example of Quinnipiac’s community involvement.

“I really enjoy family events here on the Quad, because it gives other families and potential Quinnipiac students a chance to see the campus for what it is, and see what a great community we have,” said Corridan. 

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